How Long Will My Superfly Last?

[sustaireblues]

I live off-grid back in the woods so I have lots of nice places to hang. Since I got my XLC and Superfly I've only slept in the house one night, so a bit over three months outdoors and I'm loving it.

So I'm wondering how long will my superfly/silnylon tarp stand up to continuous use, barring fallen tree limbs etc. I'm in the woods so UV exposure is limited I assume. No problems so far but just started worrying if I should get a more substantial tarp for continuous use and save the SF for trips?

[Dutch]

WB's tarps are pretty tough. He uses light, but not the lightest material. However if I was going to set up a spot to hang night after night, I would use a cheap large tarp or build a really cool shelter.

[jamaulwall]

Are you leaving the tarp pitched? Or do you take it down daily, weekly? That would have some effect on things. I'm no expert but if I was leaving it up I'd probably look at something more heavy duty and save the Superfly for trips. Just my $.02

[Hanging Em High]

I've had my superfly for about a year. It has held up great and I leave it pitched outside in my yard most of the time. The only problem I've had, was ants putting lil holes in the tarp with their saliva. Apparently, they have acid saliva that dissolves nylon. I just put a lil sil-net on the holes. Been sleeping out in it all week, raining daily. No leaks. For what it costs, I'll just buy another one if I wear it out. So far, it has paid for itself. Great tarp. I just wish silnylon didn't get so lame when it gets wet. I might try out a camo cuben tarp. Seems like it'll last a while and be easy to patch. Enjoy your superfly. Thanks

[MisterS]

I wonder if something like a Kelty Noahs Tarp might be better for your use. It is heavier that the Superfly, but you aren't packing it. Cheaper too. Then use your lighter Superfly for hiking.

[sustaireblues]

Thanks for the replys!

I usually leave it in one spot for about a week, then move to another view. So it's pretty much up all the time but I give the trees a break so as to minimize the impact on them from the straps.

Good to hear that hanging em high has had his out for a year and still going strong. I haven't seen any damage to mine so far but I will check into some heavier cheaper tarps.

[sustaireblues]

Thank you MisterS!

I just checked into the kelty noah's tarp and they sound great for my use. Just ordered a 12 x12 and that will let me save my SF for packing.

[wagex]

if i were you to give the tarp a little more longevity i would invest in a set of snake skins and pull them closed when its not being used.. then again that would leave your hammock exposed. so maybe a set for that as well. with as much as tarps cost it would be a cheapish investment for longer life.

[Lobstergrabber]

Just my 2 cents but I would not leave that tarp sitting out in the yard set up because of the sun more than anything. If you want to leave it set up I would buy something thicker/cheaper or at minimum look for some sort of uv protectant.
Richard